Brock Cunningham explains why Texas is able to stay loose in big situations

Brock Cunningham and the Texas Longhorns are readying for a pivotal Elite Eight showdown, but they’re as loose as ever entering the game.

The Miami Hurricanes represent the obstacle between the Longhorns and the Final Four, and they’ll have their chance to move through them on Sunday. While the pressure may be on, Cunningham and his teammates have remained free and easy under Rodney Terry’s tutelage, something the Texas forward credits to the team’s veteran leadership.

“I think it goes back to our age and the veterans we have on the team,” answered Cunningham. “There’s guys in this room that have lived a lot outside of basketball and played a lot of basketball as well. We go down against Penn State a couple points, some teams would freeze up and the moment would be too big, but we’ve got big time players that are able to get the game back.

“We’re having a lot of fun playing with each other. We don’t want it to end, and we want this season to go all the way.”

Continuing, Cunningham elaborated on how Terry allows Texas to remain loose throughout the game, due to the confidence he has in his team and freedom he allows his players.

“He’s pretty loose if we’re playing defense,” explained Cunningham. “If we’re guarding defense, he’s not too worried about the shots we’re getting because we’ve got good offense, we have smart players.

“I would say 90 percent of his focus is on the defensive end because that’s what wins.”

Moreover, Cunningham’s impact has been felt more on film than on the stat sheet throughout the NCAA Tournament. While the forward only has scored three points in three games, he’s played double-digit minutes in two of the three contests. Against Miami, it’ll be an all hands on deck effort, as the Longhorns will need everyone to contribute to defeat the Hurricanes.

Miami has been one of the surprise teams in a shocking NCAA Tournament, surviving an upset attempt at the hands of Drake in the Round of 64, and then dismantling both Indiana and Houston on their way to the Elite Eight. As you can see, the Hurricanes are a force to be reckoned with.

Nevertheless, Brock Cunningham and Texas will be well prepared by Rodney Terry and company for their showdown. With a Final Four spot on the line and the loser going home, it’s going to be an intense one on Sunday afternoon.